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New Zealanders to vote on whether to change flag

By WTOP Staff

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — New Zealand will hold two national votes over the next two years to determine whether it will change its flag.

The government of the South Pacific nation revealed its timetable Wednesday for a referendum on the national symbol. Next year, voters will choose their favorite alternative flag from among several options. In 2016, they’ll vote on whether the alternative that wins should replace the current flag.

Some in New Zealand consider the current flag to be an unwanted relic from a colonial past and too similar to Australia’s flag. Others, including many combat veterans, feel a deep attachment to it.

The current flag features the Southern Cross star constellation in the field and Britain’s Union Jack in the canton, or top left corner.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Emergency guide: What you should do to prepare for emergencies

By WTOP Staff
WASHINGTON — Do you know what you'd do if an emergency hits? What if you're at work, your spouse is stuck in traffic and your children are in school? There's no way to plan for every emergency, but you can make sure you're prepared for different scenarios, including making a plan for your family and building a kit of emergency supplies.
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